Skin Cancer - What Is It

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Some forms are more serious than others. Still how we view ourselves is often related to our appearance and this type of cancer can be devastating if it develops on the face or other visible areas of our body.

Understanding Cancer of the Skin

To fully understand the development of skin cancer we must first understand the role the skin plays in keeping us healthy and beautiful.

The skin has two main layers:

  • Epidermis
    • The epidermis is the top layer of the skin. It is mostly made of flat cells. These are squamous cells.
    • Under the squamous cells in the deepest part of the epidermis are round cells called basal cells.
    • Cells called melanocytes make the pigment (color) found in skin and are located in the lower part of the epidermis.
  • Dermis
      The dermis is located under the epidermis.
    • It contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and glands. Some of these glands make sweat, which helps cool the body.
    • Other glands make sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that helps keep the skin from drying out. Sweat and sebum reach the surface of the skin through tiny openings called pores.
The cells are the building blocks of the skin. As these skin cells grow they divide to form new cells. Every day his cycle takes place.

Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the skin does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. These tumors can be benign( non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

Cancers of the skin are named for the cells in which they develop. If skin cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new growth has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary growth.

The American Cancer Society recommends a skin examination every three years for people 20 to 40 years old and annual exams for persons over 40 years of age.

There is still much to learn about the development and treatment of cancer. As yet there is no cure. Hopefully, as scientist continue their research, skin cancer will become a thing of the past.

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For More Information About Skin Cancer Visit

Current Skin Cancer News
Famous People With Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer In Children
Use a Sunscreen
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Melanocytes – What Role Do They Play
Precancerous Skin
Melanoma
Cure For Cancer
Lip Cancer
Pediatric Melanoma

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